What makes the perfect spring dessert so irresistible? This strawberry poke cake is a masterclass in textures, with a moist homemade cake base, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries on top. Whipped cream and sweet strawberries take center stage in this easy recipe. Save this idea for your next family gathering or weeknight treat.

strawberry poke cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top is shown in the foreground

Introduction

This strawberry poke cake is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor, combining the moistness of a poke cake with the sweetness of strawberries and the creaminess of whipped cream. It’s a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve, perfect for any occasion from family gatherings to special celebrations. The best part? It uses everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, making it a creative and accessible treat for anyone to enjoy.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of strawberry flavor, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, while the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills and effort.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The poke cake method, where you poke holes in the cake and fill them with a sweet strawberry sauce, creates a moist and flavorful dessert that looks like it took hours to make.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this strawberry poke cake include a box of white cake mix, strawberry gelatin, boiling water, cold water, vegetable oil, eggs, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. For practical substitutions, you can use different flavors of cake mix or gelatin to change up the flavor profile, or use heavy cream or half-and-half as a substitute for whipped cream. Fresh strawberries are a must for the best flavor and texture, but you can also use frozen strawberries in a pinch.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or cooking spray. Then, mix the cake according to the box instructions, typically involving combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water, and beating until smooth.
2. Step 2: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Step 3: While the cake is still warm, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake. In a bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then add cold water and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the top of the cake, making sure the holes are filled.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow it to cool and absorb the gelatin mixture. Just before serving, top the cake with whipped cream and sliced fresh strawberries. You can also garnish with toasted almonds or sprinkles for extra texture and color.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overmix the cake batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Also, don’t overpoke the cake, as this can cause it to fall apart.
• For a stronger strawberry flavor, you can use strawberry extract or add a few drops of red food coloring to the gelatin mixture.
• Experiment with different types of milk or cream for the whipped cream to change up the flavor, such as almond milk or coconut cream.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking the cake is 350°F (175°C), and the cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re unsure, you can also check the cake’s doneness by gently pressing on the top – if it springs back, it’s ready.

Crunch Factor

This strawberry poke cake is designed to be moist and tender, thanks to the gelatin mixture and whipped cream. However, if you want to add some crunch, you can sprinkle toasted almonds or chopped nuts over the top of the whipped cream before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure the whipped cream holds its shape, make sure to chill the bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes before whipping.
• For a shortcut, you can use pre-made whipped cream or even cool whip, though homemade whipped cream will always taste better.
• To make cleanup easier, line the baking dish with parchment paper before adding the cake batter, and use a silicone spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl.

Storage Tips

• The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
• Whipped cream is best made fresh, but you can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Give it a quick whip before using.
• Fresh strawberries are best used immediately, but you can also store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This strawberry poke cake is perfect for gifting, especially for spring and summer occasions. Consider packaging the cake in a decorative tin or cake box, topped with a clear plastic lid or wrapped in cellophane. You can also add a ribbon or gift tag with a personal message. For a more rustic look, wrap the cake in parchment paper or a tea towel, tied with twine.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake batter for added depth of flavor.
• Creative toppings: Instead of whipped cream and strawberries, try topping the cake with chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or even candy pieces.
• Ingredient swaps: Use different types of milk or cream, such as almond milk or coconut cream, to change up the flavor of the whipped cream. You can also use different flavors of cake mix or gelatin to create a unique flavor combination.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the cake is too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Try mixing the ingredients just until combined, then stopping.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have strawberry gelatin, you can try using a different flavor of gelatin or even making your own strawberry sauce from scratch.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the cake is overcooked, it may be dry and crumbly. If it’s undercooked, it may be soggy or raw in the center. Check the cake frequently while it’s baking to ensure it’s cooked to perfection.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
• Is it gluten-free? Depending on the type of cake mix used, this cake may or may not be gluten-free. Be sure to check the ingredients list to ensure it meets your dietary needs.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, and use a larger baking dish.

Conclusion

This strawberry poke cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top is a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist and flavorful cake, sweet and tangy gelatin mixture, and creamy whipped cream, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make it your own, and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your friends and family when you serve it up. Happy baking!